San Diego State defensive tackle Dan Kottman has decided to leave the program.

The 6-foot-1, 245-pound sophomore, was one of only three true freshmen who played for SDSU last year. He played in eight games, and would have been the primary backup behind Sam Meredith this year if he hadn't injured his shoulder.

Kottman had shoulder surgery in the spring to repair two tears and a torn right labrum and rotator cuff. It was a major surgery that set Kottman back about six months. But his season came to an end when he had to have surgery on the shoulder again in October to clean up scar tissue.

Kottman has asked Aztecs coach Rocky Long for his release, and will finish out the semester. He hopes to find a new home at some other FBS program but will have to sit out a year per NCAA eligibility rules. Because Kottman did not redshirt during his freshman year, he can sit out next year and will still have two seasons of eligibility remaining.

Reached by phone Saturday afternoon, Kottman said he has yet to receive his release from the Aztecs, but doesn't think this will be a problem because he left the program on good terms.

"I liked the team and liked San Diego. I loved it out here and it would have been nice to be able to play out my career," said Kottman, who is from Denton, Texas. "It's just something I had to do, just a choice I made.

"I think a fresh start would be a good thing."

Kottman said homesickness was not a factor in his decision to leave and stressed that he still wants to play football. He's planning to spend some time next week narrowing down a list of schools to contact, but said his next stop doesn't necessarily have to be in Texas.

"I love the game of football, been part of my life for so long. It’s something I don’t think I can go without," Kottman said.

He informed the SDSU coaches of his decision before practice on Wednesday and said they took it well but seemed caught off guard.

Kottman will still be working with the SDSU training staff to rehab his shoulder, but he will no longer be at practices or games. He will, however, be cheering on his teammates against New Mexico from the stands this afternoon at Qualcomm Stadium.